Assertive Voices of Tamil Dalit Feminists: Tracing Dalit Aesthetics in the Select Works of Bama and Sukirtharani

Abstract

The paper focuses on the Dalit Feminist discourse in South India (Tamil Nadu), emphasizing the writings of prominent Dalit Feminist Activists/writers Bama and Sukirtharani. The paper explores the ideological underpinnings of their poetry and its importance. Lella Karunyakara states, “There is a need to create a positive, powerful brand image of Dalit identity; with the positive, powerful brand image, Dalits will certainly get social respect to gain. Since Dalit identity is not enough” (Karunyakara 159). The Dalit literature is coupled with aesthetics and joy. The
paper tries to capture the hardships and humiliations faced by Dalit women in their day-to-day lives, as they are triply marginalized based on Caste, Class, and gender. Tracing the positive aspects of the Dalit lifestyle creates a new debate about Dalit personhood and asserts the Dalit identity, perhaps Pavitra (Pure/Positive) Dalit Identity. The paper tries to understand the Dalit aesthetics in the works of Bama and Sukirtharani and the emergence of Dalit assertion in their literary works. The paper views the works of the above writers through the lens of Dalit Aesthetics advocated by SharankumarLimbale. Bama and Sukirtharani are not just writers but also firebrand Dalit feminist activists who articulated the rights of the depressed, disadvantaged female Dalits and actively participated in working for the upliftment of the downtrodden.